Religion and Media in America

Anthony Hatcher

Covering topics ranging from the Moral Monday movement to Christian films and performers, Religion and Media in America is a qualitative study of the ways in which religion has been woven into American popular and civic culture. This book explores how Christianity both adapts to and is affected by new media forms. Its six chapters address religious activism; government imposition of religiosity into secular culture; religious entertainment; Bible translations marketed as consumer goods; and how religious satire comes from both religious and secular sources. Recommended for scholars and students interested in media studies, film studies, religion, communication, American history, American studies, political science, and popular culture.« lessmore »

Anthony Hatcher is associate professor of communications at Elon University.

Introduction

Part One: Civil Religion

Chapter One. Moral Mondays in the South: God-Talk, Christian Activism, and Civil Disobedience in the Digital Age Chapter Two. So Blessed by God: Adding the Almighty to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Part Two: Religion and Entertainment

Chapter Three. God Wants His Stars Everywhere: The Media Mission of Actors, Models, & Talent for ChristChapter Four. Sacramental Pilgrimage: Catholicism, Humanism, Spirituality, and Community Along The Way

Christian faith really is about media in the 21st Century. And Hatcher seamlessly outlines the paradox—a ubiquity of media options available to explore and understand one’s Christian faith, laid alongside a growing lack of grasp on where the subcultures of Christian faith experience came from. Yes, Christianity began in North America via the printed word stuffed in saddlebags of circuit-riding preachers. From the printed page it became radio, TV, film, eventually digital messages and social media. But what is Christian faith? And why do media and audiences respond to it as they do? Hatcher walks us into the mystery, suggesting some answers but beckoning us to better questions.— Michael A. Longinow, Biola University

Religion and Media in America

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Summary

Summary

Covering topics ranging from the Moral Monday movement to Christian films and performers, Religion and Media in America is a qualitative study of the ways in which religion has been woven into American popular and civic culture. This book explores how Christianity both adapts to and is affected by new media forms. Its six chapters address religious activism; government imposition of religiosity into secular culture; religious entertainment; Bible translations marketed as consumer goods; and how religious satire comes from both religious and secular sources. Recommended for scholars and students interested in media studies, film studies, religion, communication, American history, American studies, political science, and popular culture.

Anthony Hatcher is associate professor of communications at Elon University.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part One: Civil Religion

Chapter One. Moral Mondays in the South: God-Talk, Christian Activism, and Civil Disobedience in the Digital Age Chapter Two. So Blessed by God: Adding the Almighty to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Part Two: Religion and Entertainment

Chapter Three. God Wants His Stars Everywhere: The Media Mission of Actors, Models, & Talent for ChristChapter Four. Sacramental Pilgrimage: Catholicism, Humanism, Spirituality, and Community Along The Way

Christian faith really is about media in the 21st Century. And Hatcher seamlessly outlines the paradox—a ubiquity of media options available to explore and understand one’s Christian faith, laid alongside a growing lack of grasp on where the subcultures of Christian faith experience came from. Yes, Christianity began in North America via the printed word stuffed in saddlebags of circuit-riding preachers. From the printed page it became radio, TV, film, eventually digital messages and social media. But what is Christian faith? And why do media and audiences respond to it as they do? Hatcher walks us into the mystery, suggesting some answers but beckoning us to better questions.— Michael A. Longinow, Biola University